Topical Bible: Church: Congregation of the Lord's Poor

◄ Church: Congregation of the Lord's Poor ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Congregation of the Lord's Poor" refers to a community of believers who identify with the humble and lowly in spirit, as exemplified by the teachings of Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where the poor are often highlighted as recipients of God's special favor and care.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes God's concern for the poor and the marginalized. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses includes numerous provisions for the care of the poor, such as gleaning laws (Leviticus 19:9-10) and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25). The Psalms and the Prophets also echo this concern, portraying God as a defender of the poor and needy. Psalm 72:12-13 states, "For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed."

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is marked by a profound identification with the poor. In the Beatitudes, He declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This statement underscores the spiritual posture of humility and dependence on God, which characterizes the "Congregation of the Lord's Poor."

The Early Church

The early Christian community embodied this principle by practicing radical generosity and communal living. Acts 2:44-45 describes the early believers: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This practice was not merely a social arrangement but a theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom, where the last are first and the humble are exalted.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the "Congregation of the Lord's Poor" represents a counter-cultural community that challenges societal norms of power and wealth. It is a living testimony to the upside-down values of the Kingdom of God, where greatness is measured by service and humility. James 2:5 reinforces this idea: "Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?"

Practical Implications

For contemporary believers, identifying with the "Congregation of the Lord's Poor" involves both spiritual and practical dimensions. Spiritually, it calls for a heart posture of humility and reliance on God. Practically, it demands active engagement in social justice, care for the marginalized, and a commitment to living out the values of the Kingdom in everyday life.

Conclusion

The "Congregation of the Lord's Poor" is a profound biblical concept that invites believers to align themselves with God's heart for the humble and lowly. It challenges the Church to embody the values of the Kingdom, where the poor are honored, and the love of Christ is made manifest through acts of compassion and justice.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 74:19
O deliver not the soul of your turtledove to the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of your poor for ever.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands
... These seven-and-thirty years and more, have I ministered to this same church and
congregation, and every time that I ... May the Lord in mercy bring you! III. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the lads loaves in the.htm

A Diet of Public Worship in the Time of Knox.
... Alexander Henderson thus describes in his reply the congregation in a Scotch Church:
"When so ... rich and the poor met together, realizing that the Lord was the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter iv a diet of.htm

The Lord's Supper --Preliminary Observations.
... publicly authorized him to join with the congregation in the ... The Church has received
it from the hands of the ... neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. ...
/.../chapter xiii the lords supperpreliminary.htm

On Assembling in the Church.
... whether they be of the faithful, and of the Church? ... same sentiments in the things
of the Lord, let him ... But if, after the congregation is sat down, any other ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vii on assembling in the.htm

History of the Mt. Byrd Church. When Established. Where. Charter ...
... thus complied with the law of the Lord in this ... The congregation being scattered over
a large district, and the ... by the preacher or elder of the church from the ...
/.../chapter xiii history of the.htm

Methodists, or the Methodist Episcopal Church.
... The visible church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men ... "Every particular
church may ordain ... swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/methodists or the methodist episcopal.htm

Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ...
... Of Unworthy Persons Ministering in the Congregation. ... or guilt, or any representations
of the Lord's Supper as ... of God to have public prayer in the Church, or to ...
/.../articles of religion of the.htm

Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... he called out, "Who is on the Lord's side?" It is ... is true, no matter how rich the
congregation grows, nor ... living so coldly and worldly, and the church reply, "O ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/who is on the lords.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... that clear and express rule which our Lord himself has ... hear them, tell it unto the
church," either to the overseers thereof, or to the whole congregation. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 30 upon our lords.htm

Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
... thy remembrance that which thou hast heard in the church. ... When dinner is ended, and
the Lord praised, call thy ... with the first in the holy congregation at the ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/things to be meditated on.htm